OnPoint said:
Hey Den1 a quick question
What exactly were you doing- and I mean step by step proces- when your hair went from shoulder to waist in 6 months? (I really mean step by step- the vitamins, products, hairstyles- EVERYTHING)
thanks
Here is the info-- forgive me if i've left anything out
VITAMINS
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FIRST i begun HF37/ switched to Amino 1500 6 a day/B-complex two a day (i found when i took higher amounts, sometimes i exceeded an inch)
later introduced Health Aid MSM, now Fo-ti, solgar Zinc, Quest multi-nutrients, iron (for anemia) and Kelp, these kept my hair growing healthier/thicker, but didn't necessarily notice difference in faster growth when taking higher amounts. I began taking brewers yeast because i heard it contained aminos too, but decided to stop as i didn't notice a diffrence. the very last vitamin i introduced was L'cysteine i really noticed a diffrence i achieved 1 3/4 in a month, i remember this because i was on a growth challenge with JAZZANGEL another member on LHCF but she doesn't post often.
IMHO the HF37 Replica/ and l'cysteine made the most difference in terms of grow/elasticity of my hair.
DIET/EXERCISE
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I did Tao Bo daily and went to the gym 1-2 a twice. i was also trying to lose weight at the time. i was also on a slimming world plan--eating protein, lower fats and low carbs.
MAIN Products:
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Shampoos: CON, Aphogee shampoo, Motions CPR Shampoo,Nexxus Aloe Rid Clarifying shampoo,Nexxus Diametress Luscious hair thickening shampoo.
Conditioners: Lekair cholesterol creme, Keracare humcto creme, Motions CPR Treatment.
NOTE:
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I introduced Nexxus Humectress Ultimate moisturising conditioner, Motions Moisture Plus conditioner, Doo Gro Deep down penetrating Conditioner, however i stopped using them, i didn't like motions/doo gro anymore and i found humectress too expesive. The above ones i used more regular in my regime.
Leave-ins: Aphogee leave in, Infusium 23
Reconstructors: Aphogee two minutes intensive reconstructor, Aphogee treatment.
Moisturisers/oils
rofectiv Roothealth, Profectiv Breakfree, Elasta QP Mango Butter, Wild Growth hair oil or Castor oil (to seal in moisture) African Pride braid sheen spray for braids, cornrows. olive oil for hot-oil treaments.
TIPS
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I always wore protective styles constantly/ braids/cornrows and always airdried my hair. I used wide tooth comb and only combed my hair after two months of wearing braids.
natural hair journey (step-by-step) how i achieve near waistlength
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I was natural for 25 years and began my hair growth journey in July 2002. Since December 2002, I made a commitment to follow the Crown and Glory technique, devised by author of growafrohairlong website Robin Woods, her hair regime employs the application of braid extensions, worn 1-2 months at a time.
Once a week, I shampoo my braids with Revlon Crème of nature detangling conditioning Shampoo, Aphogee Shampoo for damaged hair or Motions CPR Treatment shampoo. I add two capfuls of shampoo diluted in a large cup of warm water. On the last rinse, I pour cool water over the braids to close hair cuticle.
Afterwards, the braids are thoroughly saturated with African Pride braid sheen spray for moisture and infusium 23 Original for damaged /unmanageable to fortify the hair. After two months with the assistance of my sister, I remove the extensions with Black & Beautiful Braid Repair Serum, this eases the removal process and reduces damage to hair.
As each braid is removed, I take my time and separate hair with fingers first and add more braid serum to loosen the coils enough to comb through, starting from the ends. I never detangle large sections, just one braid section at a time, this may appear time consuming, but it makes a huge difference in hair loss and breakage.
I pour a hot oil treatment with Extra Virgin Olive oil over my hair before detangling again. I section-off and comb through. I usually do braids and cover with a plastic cap for 30 minutes. I make 4 large twists and cover with a plastic cap for 30 minutes.
I proceed with Nexxus Aloe Rid Clarifying shampoo, excellent for removing impurities from the entire hair structure. It is very gentle and purifying formula leaving my tresses refreshingly soft and fluffy. Please refer to
www.growafrohairlong.com for the braid regime and shampooing and conditioning technique.
Clarifying shampoos must only be use once every four-six weeks to extract build-up, my regular maintenance shampoos are Crème of nature, Aphogee shampoo for damaged hair, Nexxus Diametress Luscious hair thickening shampoo or Motions CPR Treatment shampoo however this varies on a week-to-week basis, depending on the condition of my hair.
Wearing braids for that length of time can be rather demanding on the health of the hair, especially the ends. At this stage I unloose twists individually to add a protein reconstructor called Aphogee Treatment for damaged hair.
I apply generously with a tint brush and work the product into the roots with my fingers. I twist sections of hair and blow-dry on warm until hair is hard ideally an hour. While the hair is drying I do not manipulate because it becomes extremely hard. Lastly, I re-wet hair and thoroughly rinse out the treatment.
Its primary purpose entails bonding to hair shaft wherein the rebuilding process commences. Other protein treatments, includes Aphogee Intensive two-minute reconstructor or Motions CPR Treatment conditioner.
Aphogee treatment for damaged hair: this product requires professional use only, and is used in extreme cases of breakage and rebuilds hair structure for six weeks. I towel blot and loose out sections of hair and carefully apply the product from root to tip, I comb blend for an even distribution, It may be advisable to use latex gloves and protect your clothing before proceeding with this treatment, as the product’s gummy consistency which bonds to hands and stains clothes.
Finally I re-twist sections of hair and blow dry on warm until hair is hard. While the hair is drying I do not manipulate because it becomes extremely hard. Lastly, I re-wet hair and thoroughly rinse out the treatment (Rinse out).
To combat any potential signs of dryness resulting from the excess protein, I select from a list favourite moisturising conditioners, to supplement and restore hair’s normal acid PH by infusing balance moisture levels into the hair shaft, they are, Keracare Humecto crème conditioner, Nexxus Humectress Ultimate moisturising conditioner or Motions Moisture Plus conditioner, Doo Gro Deep down penetrating Conditioner, Le Kair Cholesterol strengthening and conditioning crème for 60 minutes.
I undo twists and use ample amount of Infusium 23 or Aphogee Leave-in conditioner, Wild Growth hair oil or Castor oil, paying particular attention to the ends. I use gently comb through with a wide-tooth comb starting at the ends, using a supporting hand to grip the hair and lie flat to lessen stress and re-tangling hair. If there is any resistance I put down my comb and separate with my fingers again.
The sections of hair are re-twisted, I inspect the ends for splits, the unruly ends are noticeable because they have a dry and frizzy appearance a barber scissors is used for the trim. I trim the ends of my twists. If you decide to trim your own hair purchase this measuring comb visit
http://www.hair-style-cutting-care-combs.com/
I begin the ends sealing technique by placing foil around the twisted hair sections, then meticulously clamp over with a flat iron for 5 seconds, this locks in moisture down to the cortex. It really has helped alleviate dryness on the ends. I wear a satin scarf to air-dry. Products are constantly changing based on the various phases of the condition, style and texture of my hair. See Robin’s ends sealing technique at
www.growafrohairlong.com
The daily maintenance of my current protective styles (cornrows or twists) entails, washing hair twice a week and using creamy moisturizers such as Profectiv Breakfree or Profectiv Root health, I smooth it on from roots to tips, it defines a very curly pattern on my ends, I love the way my hair feels, pliable and soft. Occasionally, I apply Elasta QP, Mango Butter moisturizer and oils for silky feeling ends.
After taking down braids washing/conditioing hair I return to the braiding method for 2 months/ i wait about 2-3 days before having my hair cornrowed again.
Things i feel have contributed to growth rate is---supplements like aminos, b vits/, diet/high protein low carbs and lots of exercise. The protective styles/wash routines helped me retain the length.
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CURRENTLY : I've ordered some L'cysteine, I'm now taking Amino 1500, B-complex and Pantothenic Acid, Tahitian noni juice. i currently have gained 2 inches at the back sections of my head and 1 inch at the front in the last four weeks, i also keep my hair cornrowed/twisted/surge daily/do cws/ shampoo/deep condition every week. i use a reconstructor every 3-6 weeks. that's it, i think. (see my Fotki journal for my exstensive rgime)
HTHS
Den1
(at least from what I can tell). I want to transition until my natural hair is almost brastrap length (at least) and then I will cut off any remaining relaxed ends. Right now, I just wash once a week with Creme of Nature Shampoo, and deep condition with Hollywood Beauty Olive Oil. During the week, I CW once-twice a week with Creme of Nature Conditioner, and when my hair needs protein, I use Aphogee 2-Minute Keratin Reconstructor.
). I am taking CountryLife Maxihair vitamins and iron (anemia) and as soon as lent is over, I will start increasing the amt. of protein that I eat. I dance about 2-3 hours (on avg.) 5 days a week, so that's my exercise.
